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Posted:  March 2008 - Newsletter

Changing Senses: Losing Scents* By Josselyn Winslow

In the 1970’s, researchers learned that smell is compromised in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis(MS). Now, they are discovering that the loss of the sense of smell can be a hallmark symptom in the earliest stages of many diseases,” says Amy Paturel, M.S., M.P.H in What the Nose Knows, September/October 2007, Neurology Now.
The article, in describing a study of 34 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, noted that only 2 reported a smell or taste problem, but that 90 percent scored lower than healthy subjectson a standardized smell test. People who have lost their sense of smell are more at risk. The author recommends several steps to prevent odor-related disasters:

• Place a smoke detector in every room that might have a fire or where people sleep.

• Opt for an electric stove over gas, but if you have gas make sure it is equipped with an automatic pilot light.

• Purchase propane detectors, natural gas detectors, and gasoline detectors (available through the gas company, recreational vehicle dealers, or marine electronics stores).

• Take care when preparing food, particularly leftovers.

The article reinforces the “use it or lose it” concept. The author says, “Don’t stop trying to use your nose. Try sniffing a number of odorants each day.” And, because smell and taste are closely related, the author suggests cooking with spices and using flavors you like. Most people have memories of special smells from the past. These memories can be a valuable resource. The smell of freshly baked bread – or those special cookies – can stimulate memories and set the scene. Tap into those memories to create a pleasant mood.

Individuals who practice aromatherapy use essential oils and herbal extracts to stimulate the olfactory system and affect a person’s mood, behavior and overall health in addition to unlocking memories. 

In the book, Keep Your Brain Alive by Lawrence C. Katz and Manning Rubin, they suggest that odors highlight specific aspects of your day and create scent-related memories. Your breakfast coffee, the smell of the tooth paste, a ride past a bakery, a relaxing lavender bath all have specific odors associated with them. By noticing the scents around you can actually improve your sense of smell. The authors say, Marrying olfactory associations to places, people, events or things is also a powerful way to enhance memory.”

As people grow older their sense of smell may diminish. Enhance your sense of smell by adding scents to your life. Make scent canisters by cutting a household sponge into 1/2 inch cubes, adding a drop or two of different-smelling liquids, such as vanilla, lemon oil, or vinegar to each cube and putting the cube into a small container, such as a plastic pill bottle. Use containers for herbs – dill, basil or mint, and spices – cinnamon, clove, or nutmeg. Choose a scent to mark a specific event, like vanilla when you sit to read the morning paper, or clove when you open your email. Use the same technique to tie a specific odor to a person or place. Challenge your nose with new scents and stimulate your memory.